Illinois State women’s basketball continues to see movement within its roster as another former Redbird has found a new home, as freshman guard Kya Hurt announced her commitment to the University of Central Florida Friday evening.

Hurt, a 5-foot-8 guard, entered the transfer portal after her first collegiate season in Normal and will join a UCF program looking to add backcourt depth and scoring production heading into the 2026-27 season.

During her freshman campaign with the Redbirds, Hurt played a steady role in the rotation, averaging seven points and two assists per game while shooting 41% from the field. 

At UCF, Hurt is expected to compete for minutes in a program that is working to climb in a highly competitive Big 12 Conference. The Knights finished the 2025-26 season 11-19 and placed 14th in conference play. They will look to retool their roster with incoming transfers like Hurt to improve guard production and offensive consistency.

Hurt’s departure adds to the list of Redbirds who have found new homes, including Doneelah Washington, who committed to Ole Miss, and Jordan Fenske, who has yet to find a home.

TYLER GALL is the assistant sports editor for The Vidette. Gall can be contacted at tmgall@ilstu.edu. Follow Gall on X at @tygall_.

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